How to Twist Lucky Bamboo

Some of the most alluring parts of lucky bamboo are the cool designs that you can create by twisting different stalks together. The key to training lucky bamboo is using light. By manipulating the light source you can create a fun spiral or other design.

How to Make a Lucky Bamboo Spiral

Spirals are one of the most popular lucky bamboo manipulations. Follow the steps below to learn how to create spiral bamboo plants.

Cut one side out of a cardboard box.

Place your plant inside the box.

Set the box so its open side faces a light source (not the top).

Care for your plant as normal until the plant starts leaning towards the light.

Slightly rotate the plant, and it will continue to grow towards the light.

Keep rotating the plant as it leans slightly — if you spin it in the same direction it will eventually become a spiral.

Prune your plant’s leaves as it spirals so it doesn’t become too top-heavy.

How to Braid Lucky Bamboo

Intertwined lucky bamboo is another popular option. Create a gorgeous braided bamboo look by following the instructions below.

Choose a container with three potted stalks (they should be ½ to one inch thick and planted about two inches apart from each other in a triangle or row) or plant your own.

Prune the base of the three stalks.

Braid the stalks by taking the right stalk over the middle stalk and bring the middle stalk to the right. Take the left stalk and cross it over the stalk that’s now in the middle and bring that stalk out to the left of the new middle stalk.

Continue braiding until there are four to five inches left at the top of the stalks.

Wrap a twist tie around the top of the braid (make sure it’s secure but not tight).

Care for your plant normally, then watch it grow and the braid strengthen.

Lucky Bamboo Symbolism

Lucky bamboo is a perfect option if you’re looking for a Feng Shui compatible plant. According to the Chinese practice, lucky bamboo is related to the five elements: Earth (pebbles in the container), wood (the plant itself), water (the water in the container), fire (the red ribbon often tied on the plant) and metal (the metal coin attached to the ribbon). Since the bamboo is hollow it’s said to be a great conductor of Chi energy. This allows wisdom and prosperity to flow through. The amount of stalks also has a big effect on the meaning of a particular lucky bamboo plant. They all have positive meanings except for four-stalk lucky bamboo, which is one you should avoid. See the different meanings below:

One stalk: represents unity and unobstructed flow of energy.

Two stalks: represents good luck in love (a great gift for a partner).

Three stalks: represents continued growth, birth and family.

Four stalks: represents death (avoid this plant, it is also considered a rude gift).

Five stalks: represents wealth, longevity, luck, happiness and prosperity.

Six stalks: represents wealth through opportunity and luck (great for businesses).

Seven stalks: represents health and personal growth.

Eight stalks: represents infinite energy and many blessings.

Nine stalks: represents success and gratitude.

Common Lucky Bamboo Questions
Have a question about your lucky bamboo plant? Check out these frequently asked questions and find your answer. If you don’t see your inquiry, feel free to post it in the comment section below.

Why does a bamboo plant turn yellow?
A bamboo plant can turn yellow for a couple of reasons. These include too much fertilizer, too much chlorine or fluoride in the water, or too much sun.

How do I bring my bamboo plant back to life?
This depends on what your plant care routine is. If you have a yellow bamboo plant, adjust accordingly by stopping fertilization, switching to filtered water or moving your plant to a place with less light. If your lucky bamboo has been infiltrated by pests or fungi, remove the infected area and use a (natural) pesticide, soap or rubbing alcohol depending on the plant’s ailment.

How long do bamboo plants live?
Bamboo grown in water can live about one to two years. For a longer lifespan transfer your bamboo to soil where it can live for several years. It may shed leaves, but as long as you care for it well, it will keep replenishing and growing new leaves.

Can you grow bamboo in water?
Lucky bamboo can grow in water, but for the best results, it should be transferred to soil after it grows solid roots.

How many bamboo stalks are needed for good luck?
Lucky bamboo plants with one to nine stalks are all acceptable for good luck and well wishes (except four stalks which is bad luck and should be avoided).

Is it bad luck to buy your own bamboo plant?
No, lucky bamboo is considered a token of good luck even if you purchase it yourself.

Lucky bamboo is a versatile plant that makes a great gift for anyone, because who doesn’t need some good luck every now and again? It’s a perfect gift for dads who can be notoriously difficult to shop for as well as other guys in your life, including friends, boyfriends, husbands and family members. Use the lucky bamboo plant symbolism listed above to find the perfect amount of stalks for you or a loved one.